Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of state attorneys general, has filed an amicus brief supporting the law firm Perkins Coie LLP in its lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The suit aims to block what is described as retaliatory actions by the administration against the firm and its attorneys. These actions are alleged to be part of President Trump's efforts to silence opposition from legal professionals representing individuals and causes he opposes.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of legal representation in American democracy, stating: "The right to an attorney is a bedrock of our legal system and American democracy as a whole." He criticized the Trump Administration's approach towards Perkins Coie, calling it "unprecedented and unjustifiable" and warned of potential chilling effects on attorneys nationwide.

The controversy stems from a March 6, 2025 Executive Order titled “Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP,” which targeted the law firm for its association with Hillary Clinton and its policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The order cited unsupported national security concerns as part of its justification.

In their brief, the attorneys general argue that President Trump's executive order violates First Amendment rights by attempting to prevent certain lawyers and viewpoints from participating in court proceedings. They assert that measures such as barring Perkins Coie lawyers from federal buildings, revoking security clearances, and terminating federal contracts with the firm undermine basic principles of justice.

Bonta is joined by attorneys general from Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York Oregon Rhode Island Vermont in this action.

A copy of the brief can be accessed online.